Map Of Downtown Traverse City
Introduction
Traverse City is a charming city located in the northern part of Michigan. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a plethora of outdoor activities. If you are planning a trip to Traverse City, this travel guide will help you explore the city’s top attractions, hidden gems, and much more.
Top Attractions
Traverse City State Park
Traverse City State Park is a beautiful park located on the west end of Grand Traverse Bay. It is an ideal spot for a picnic, swimming, or sunbathing. The park also has a playground, picnic tables, and a boat launch.
Old Mission Lighthouse
Old Mission Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the Old Mission Peninsula. The lighthouse offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and take in the breathtaking views.
Hidden Gems
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a unique shopping and dining destination located in a historic mental asylum. The complex has been renovated and now houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre
The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre is a classic drive-in theater that has been in operation since 1953. It is a fun and unique way to watch a movie under the stars with your loved ones.
Food Scene
Trattoria Stella
Trattoria Stella is a cozy Italian restaurant located in the Grand Traverse Commons. The restaurant offers a variety of delicious Italian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
The Cooks’ House
The Cooks’ House is a farm-to-table restaurant located in downtown Traverse City. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu that showcases the best of Michigan’s local ingredients.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Visit the Farmers Market
The Traverse City Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made products. It is open on Saturdays from May through October and on Wednesdays from June through September.
Take a Hike
Traverse City has many great hiking trails that are free to explore. Some popular trails include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Hickory Hills Ski Area.
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking
Traverse City is a great place to go kayaking. You can rent a kayak and explore the beautiful bays and lakes around the city. Some popular kayaking spots include the Boardman River and the Grand Traverse Bay.
Biking
Traverse City has many great biking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Some popular biking trails include the Leelanau Trail and the TART Trail.
Historical Landmarks
Barns Park
Barns Park is a historic park located in Traverse City. The park has a variety of historic buildings, including a farmhouse, a schoolhouse, and a church.
City Opera House
The City Opera House is a historic building located in downtown Traverse City. The building was built in 1891 and has been beautifully restored. It now hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
Family-Friendly Activities
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park and resort that is perfect for families. The resort has a variety of water slides, pools, and other activities that kids will love.
Traverse City Children’s Museum
The Traverse City Children’s Museum is a fun and interactive museum that is perfect for kids. The museum has a variety of exhibits that allow kids to explore and learn through play.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Music House Museum
The Music House Museum is a unique museum that houses a collection of antique musical instruments and music-making machines. The museum also hosts live concerts throughout the year.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful and unique landscape that is worth a visit. The park has towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Natural Wonders
Torch Lake
Torch Lake is a stunningly beautiful lake that is known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches. It is a great place to go swimming, boating, or fishing.
Boardman River
The Boardman River is a beautiful river that runs through Traverse City. It is a great place to go fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Little Fleet
The Little Fleet is a fun and lively outdoor bar and restaurant that is perfect for a night out with friends. The bar has a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and food trucks.
Union Street Station
Union Street Station is a lively bar located in downtown Traverse City. The bar has a variety of drinks, live music, and a fun atmosphere.
Local Markets
The Village Farmers Market
The Village Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made products. It is open on Saturdays from May through October and on Wednesdays from June through September.
The Sara Hardy Farmers Market
The Sara Hardy Farmers Market is another great place to find fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made products. It is open on Saturdays from May through October.
Beaches and Mountains
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful and unique landscape that is worth a visit. The park has towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Mount Holiday
Mount Holiday is a ski resort located in Traverse City. In the summer, the resort offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and zip lining.
Cultural Immersion
National Cherry Festival
The National Cherry Festival is an annual festival that celebrates Traverse City’s cherry harvest. The festival includes live music, parades, and a variety of cherry-themed activities.
Traverse City Film Festival
The Traverse City Film Festival is an annual film festival that showcases independent and foreign films. The festival also includes panel discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Art and Music Scene
The Dennos Museum Center
The Dennos Museum Center is a museum that houses a collection of contemporary art and Native American artifacts. The museum also hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year.
The City Opera House
The City Opera House is a historic building located in downtown Traverse City. The building hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts, plays, and dance performances.
Walking Tours
The Historic Barns Park Walking Tour
The Historic Barns Park Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through the historic buildings in Barns Park. The tour includes a farmhouse, a schoolhouse, and a church.
The Traverse City Ghost Walk
The Traverse City Ghost Walk is a guided walking tour that takes visitors through the city’s haunted history. The tour includes stories of ghosts, murder, and mayhem.
Architectural Marvels
The Grand Traverse County Courthouse
The Grand Traverse County Courthouse is a beautiful building located in downtown Traverse City. The building was built in 1900 and features a stunning clock tower.
The State Theatre
The State Theatre is a historic movie theater located in downtown Traverse City. The theater has been beautifully restored and now hosts a variety of movies and live performances.
Historical Sites
The Old Mission Lighthouse
The Old Mission Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the Old Mission Peninsula. The lighthouse offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and take in the breathtaking views.
The City Opera House
The City Opera House is a historic building located in downtown Traverse City. The building was built in 1891 and has been beautifully restored. It now hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
Biking Routes
The Leelanau Trail
The Leelanau Trail is a scenic biking trail that runs from Traverse City to Suttons Bay. The trail offers stunning views of the countryside and passes through a variety of small towns.